Issues To Consider About Auto Repair It may be a very stressful situation when worrying about what company to decide on

to your auto repair, but provided that you know how to go about the process it could be quite easy. Every company will claim that they have the best mechanics and provide the cheapest prices, but clearly which is untrue. The simplest way to know that you are receiving the best repair for that cheapest price is usually to make time to seek information. The initial step to locating the best clients are to search for the reviews which were left by previous customers. Chances are that you might have more mechanics in your town than it is possible to count. It can be hard to pick out which companies to even can compare to others. Locate a site that provides you the solution to see their reviews with a general star level. After that you should be able to find the top 10 companies in your area. Then you definitely should take time to look at the reviews that were left by their past clients. Know that there definitely will be negative reviews, irrespective of how good the company is, nevertheless the vast majority ought to be positive. Try to find negative reviews that share exactly the same issues, including needing to bring their vehicle back in a quick period of time as it actually had not been yet fixed. Any shop should e capable to diagnose and fix a vehicle the initial time. Through your initial listing of 10 you will be able to narrow it to 3 different companies that are the most effective. Then you can call each and inquire if they are willing to offer you an estimate free of charge. If they have made your best 3 list they should be a lot more than willing to do so. That method for you to understand what they think to be the issue along with anything they think it is going to cost. Once you have quotes from all 3 after that you can decide who to use. It might be tempting to determine simply depending on the cost, but exactly how they treat you need to be considered. Customer satisfaction is very important with regards to auto repair. If they are willing to explain everything to you personally and show you that they can feel that you may have value they are truly thinking about obtaining your business and keeping it. Think about every aspect of your interaction before making a choice about which mechanic you imagine is most beneficial to service your vehicle. Every auto mechanic will claim they may have the most effective costs, from parts to service, but the fact is that they can all differ often. Take time to investigate how others have felt about their service, what their pricing is and how you personally felt whenever you visited their shop. This really is the easiest way to get a quality auto repair center which will meet your needs and expectations.

Need Mechanic'S Advice: 1992 Toyota Camry?
I Own A 92 Toyota Camry, And Am Having Some Issues With It. A Little Over A Month Ago, When I Pulled Into My Driveway, There Was Steam (I Believe It Was Steam Rather Than Smoke) Billowing Out From Under My Hood. Of Course I Immediately Made An Appointment To Bring The Car Into The Garage. I Paid Around $750 To Have The Radiator Replaced, Which Presumably Should Have Fixed The Problem. However, After Driving The Car Home Again, The Problem Continued. I Brought It Back To The Mechanic, Who Told Me That It Might Be A Matter Of Fluids Being 'Burned Off', And To Contact Him If The Problem Persisted.
Well, It Has. It Has Been At Least A Month Now, And Though It Doesn'T Always Happen, There Is Sometimes Still Steam Coming From Under The Hood When Stop The Car. Apart From The Steam, There Don'T Seem To Be Any Other Issues (No Problems With Starting, Accelerating, Etc.) I Am Going To Bring The Car Back Again, But I Was Hoping To Get A Sense Of What Might Be Going On Before I Do So. I Don'T Know Anything About Cars, This Is The First One That I Have Ever Owned (And I Have Only Had It For 6 Months). I Am A Student And On A Fixed Budget, And Am Pretty Frustrated That After The $750 That I Put Into The Car To Have It Fixed In The First Place (And The $1200 That I Put Into It So That It Could Pass The Safety Right After Christmas) That The Car Is Still Not In Good Working Order.
I Know That It Is An Old Car, But The Previous Owner Was My Granmother, Who Kept It In Really Good Condition. The Mechanics Told Me That It Was Worth Putting In The Money To Have It Pass The Safety (So I Could Buy It), As It Was A Good Car That Should Not Need A Lot Of Repairs.
Please Help!

well i had the same problem with a camry 2....for me i just got rid of it and bought another cheap car but the problem is the head gasket ....and you paid 750 for a radiator ha thats a bit much for a rad ...that should only cost 400 on that car ....but it defo sounds like the head is gone ...mechanics are rip offs they will always tell you its little stupid things first and then try get you to pay the big bucks....try a few difrent garages and see are they all saying the same thing ...but it is the head gasket defo...

What Engines Will Fit A 1995 Toyota 4Runner To Give Me More Horse Power?
I Have A 1995 Toyota 4Runner. I Blew The Head Gasket And For The Price To Replace The Head Gasket I Found For A Little More Money I Can Put In A New Engine. I Know I'M Going To Need A New Transmission To Suit A Different Engine As Well As A New Rearend. What 3 Liter Engines Are Out There That Would Make A Suitable Swap And Give Me More Horse Power?

I will need all of the numbers off the plate on the firewall to give you the correct advice as to how to fit the engine as the 1UZ-FE is the one to fit. Keeps it all Toyota, sounds nice, goes like you would not believe and uses less gas that the V6

Go Back To School For Auto Mechanics Or Welding?
I'M 22 And I Have An Associate'S Degree In Criminal Justice. After Much Time Spent And Money Invested, I Cannot Get A Job In My Career Field So I Want To Go Back For Two Areas That I Enjoy. I Either Want To Go Back For Auto Mechanics Or Welding. But I Cannot Decided Which Is More Steady Work And Have Jobs More Readily Available.
I Figure That There Will Be More Auto Mechanic Jobs, But With Less Pay And Also A Person Would Be Easier To Replace. I Have Heard That Certified Welders Are Hard To Find So That Would Be A Plus. But Also I Haven'T Seen Many Active Welding Jobs Out There.
Can Anyone Give Me A Opinions And Pros/Cons?

Both careers have about the same expected outlook for job growth (auto mechanics 17% and welders 15%) by 2020 but, auto mechanics have over twice as many available jobs. salaries differ slightly with mechanics earning a commission for each job (auto mechanic $35,790- anywhere between $20,200 and $59,590. and welders $35,450 - anywhere between $23,940 and $53,690). Both also, have the same educational requirements (HS diploma or equivalent), and both have a high number of self employed workers.

The problem with the future outlook for auto mechanics is that with the advancement and emerging technology, recent mergers in the auto industry for less destructive material and more independent-cost effective ways to deal with repairs, and manufacturing of automobiles may cause less need for auto mechanics. But, job opportunities for QUALIFIED mechanics with formal education will be very good, especially for those with specialties in advanced automotive technology, such as hybrid fuel or computer systems. The majority of job openings will be in automobile dealerships and independent repair shops, where most service technicians currently work. Another pro for the auto industry is the increasing number of vehicle production and lifespan of vehicles, will prove profitable for qualified workers.

Cons of the auto mechanic industry are remaining in uncomfortable position for long periods of time, the hazards of lifting heavy equipment, and dealing with sickening materials - which is the reason that auto mechanics have a higher rate of injury and illness than other occupations in the US. You also will of course have to deal with the occasional unsatisfied customer and overtime work.

To become one, you only are required to have an HS diploma but, will more than likely need further training. And this is for those with knowledge of courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, mathematics, and English. For most entry-level positions, you will need to have completed a 6 month to 1 year automotive repair technology program.

You also have the option to go for a 2 year associate's degree. Coursework will include, basic mathematics, computers, electronics, and automotive repair. Some programs have recently added classes in customer service, English, and other necessary skills. You will more than likely receive on-the-job training from the program you are in or the job place you choose to work may have their own.

Welders also have a high injury and illness rate as well. They deal with very hot material, poisonous gases, and extremely intense light. There is also alot of overtime hours with this career as well.

Cons of the welding industry is that growth is expected to be consistent with growth of the defense industry, especially the manufacturing of air-crafts and missiles, rebuilding the nations bridges, highways, and buildings. You also have the opportunity to combine both of your loves with welding, you can choose to work as an automotive manufacturer which hires a large number of welders for projects. Overall job prospects will vary by skill level. Job prospects should be good for welders trained in the latest technologies. Welding schools report that graduates have little difficulty finding work, and many welding employers report difficulty finding properly skilled welders. However, welders who do not have up-to-date training may face competition for jobs.

Becoming a welder can be a short or extensive journey, depending on how far you want to go in the industry. For most low skilled positions, you can receive a few weeks of school or
on-the-job training as compared to higher skilled position that may require several years of each.

How Many Miles Does A 1997 Toyota Camry Le Last?
Mine Died At 187,000 - The Transmission Blew And I Got Rid Of It A Few Weeks Ago\
How Long Do They Usually Last?

With regular maintenance they can last 500,000 miles before major mechanical breakdown. At that point, piston rings, bearings, and cylinder walls will need to be replaced and re-honed, respectively. The valves and valve seats will need replacing and reseating. Exhaust manifold and catalytic covertor will need replaced as well as O2 sensors. Throttle body wil need inspected and all other major sensors will need to be tested. With everything torn apart the head gasket would get replaced and coolant would be flushed and a new thermostat. New plugs, wires, an coil packs. Belts and motor mounts would get replaced as well. A full tranny flush with new filter would also be in order.
This is referred to as a Full Tune up With new internals. Cost is usually around $2000-$2500 at a shop. That is cheaper than a new vehicle and a vehicle with this kind of tune up will last another 500k. Your 97' should have lasted a least 400k with regular scheduled maintenance. My 2000 Camry is at 200k still getting 31mpg. And shifts and runs like a champ. With regular maintenance (or preventative maintenance) vehicles like Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, will last a very long time. Its all about getting is serviced regularly and preventing problems.

Which Toyota 4Runner?
Hello, I Am Having A Hard Time Deciding On These Two Vehicles:
1. 1993 Toyota 4Runner Sr5 4X4, 5Sp. Manual With 154,000 Miles. Body Style : Suv, One Original Owner, Has Documentation Of All Maintenance History Since Buying New In 1993. Maintained Quite Well, (Tune-Ups, Oil, Etc.) Priced At Well Below Blue Book. Asking 2500.00
2. 1994 Toyota 4Runner Sr5 4X4, 5Sp. Automatic Transmission. 179,000, Body Style: Wagon, According To Ad Owner Has Replaced Tons Of Parts Due To Routine Maintenance. Ad Seems To Reflect Good Ownership And Maintenance. Asking 1900.00
(Both Vehicles Are Located In North Eastern U.S.)
Are Miles A Big Factor, Automatic Tranny Vs. Maunal?
Thanks To All,

I'd be nervous about buying ANY northeast vehicle. I've seen '97 Land Cruisers that are pretty well rusted out...and they're built with thicker sheet metal than 4Runners.

I'd check the bodies and look at the service records. A well-maintained Toyota is always a good bet. I like the 1993, with documentation of all work since new.

I would lean toward the 93 because of that. One owner, lower miles...I would also "chat up" the owner and give the impression that the truck is going to a good home. You may be able to bring the price down a bit with that.

Manual trans: you may need a clutch soon if it hasn't been done. Auto trans: these have been reliable and are not considered the weakness they once were. If ithey're both 6 cyl I think they're about equal. 4-cyl you'd want the stick.
Are these 4's or 6's? The 4 cyl is bulletproof....the v-6 may need head gasket work soon.

I would lean towards the '93 and have it checked over by a decent mechanic (make sure he does a leak-down test!) and see how solid the body is.

The 94 doesn't sound bad either tho....but I'd start with the 93.

Wanting To Become An Automotive Mechanic But New Electric Cars Are Stopping My Dreams?
I'M A Junior In High School. I'Ve Always Wanted To Be An Automotive Mechanic, But In These Economy. You Have To Start Thinking Ahead Of Just What You Want To Be In The Future. Problem Is, I Want To Be A Mechanic For The Cars That Run On Gas. Now I'M Afraid In About 5 To 10 Years All Cars Are Going To Be Electric. For Example, The Nissan Leaf Is Going To Be Released In December Of 2010!
Go Ahead And Give Me Your Best Advice. Don'T Just Tell Me To Follow My Dreams If Thats Going To Lead Me Into A Dark Future. Thank You.

Your decisions have to rest upon your interest and capacity for change, where you want to live, how you deal with competition as much as your interests and the current state of technology.

This is a forum which has international reach and there are communities where such life decisions are made and the community suffers or benefits based upon choices elders may make. But your situation may be more typical of the American one where although you can get all kinds of advice, no one else is going to be living with your decisions. Your decisions are then your own.

You are aware that there is competition and changing technology in jobs. Not every auto mechanic is working at a high paid union job. The mechanic who trained to work on a vehicle before computers were added to cars is working on a different vehicle today. To reach increasing fuel efficiency standards even ICE vehicles will see increasing electrification of their components. The hybrid is only one of many possible choices for modifications. The series hybrid could just as easily be called an "electric transmission" as it is in this article where they "bend over backwards" to not call it an electric vehicle: http://blogs.dieselpowermag.com/1002012/... The future of fueled vehicles may not only include pistons: http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blog... As another demonstration of what can be done with a fueled vehicle the winner of the recent X prize was a fueled vehicle: http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/09/x-p...

It may be a blessing for efficiency if all vehicles were electric in your 5 to 10 years but I would also rate this somewhere between unlikely and impossible. But over the course of a lifetime of working this may be another matter. It would certainly be easier to get an innovative schooling now than have to try and augment your education in midlife. The American lifestyle is full of changes in technology and fashion. To be able to adapt to changes allows one to rise above competition but it is not for everyone. There are many places in the world where animals continue to be used for daily transportation. Even with the very latest technology there will be places that continue to need a traditional mechanic, but your options of where to live and how much you may be paid may be increasingly limited. And this could be OK for some people living in some communities or situations. You have to decide if this is you.